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A Minnesota leader you didn't know is a Metropolitan State alum: Kathy Wuorinen

Kathy Wuorinen, a 2004 Metropolitan State University Outstanding Student, who graduated with a bachelor of science in law enforcement, was named interim Chief of Police. Her duties began with the retirement of Chief Tom Smith on May 10.

The appointment made Wuorinen the first woman to lead the Saint Paul Police Department.

Mara Gottfried reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press:
“Wuorinen rose through the St. Paul Police Department’s ranks and now she’s poised to take the helm as the interim chief, where she’ll make history by becoming the first woman to lead the city’s police department, Mayor Chris Coleman announced Thursday.

“Wuorinen did not apply for the chief job, and said she plans to continue at the police department after her time as interim chief.

“As assistant chief, Wuorinen has been in charge of the police department’s support and administrative functions, which includes the training unit, bomb squad, research and grants, and human resources. She has worked throughout the department, including as patrol officer, homicide investigator and commander of the narcotics and vice unit.
“She started the Rice Street beat, where officers focus their patrols on a geographic area with the goal of getting to know the community,when she was a sergeant in the Central District. The area holds a special place in her heart—she grew up just off Rice Street.
“Wuorinen, 52, has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in business. She lives in Woodbury with her husband of 20 years, John Wuorinen, who is a St. Paul police sergeant in the internal affairs unit.”